Brain Balance Achievement Centers opened another location in the Pike Creek Shopping Center in November, which is run by former teacher Greta Fowler.

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By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News

Hockessin Community News

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News

Posted Feb. 14, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Updated Feb 14, 2013 at 10:59 AM

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News

Posted Feb. 14, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Updated Feb 14, 2013 at 10:59 AM

Pike Creek, DE

Since 2006, Brain Balance Achievement Centers(BBAC) has helped thousands of children between the ages of 4 and 17 with learning and neurobehavioral disabilities to reach their academic, social and behavioral potential through non-medical, brain-based programs. The individualized and customized programs utilize sensory, motor and cognitive exercises as well as nutritional guidance.

BBAC was co-founded by Dr. Robert Melillo, one of the most respected specialists in childhood neurological disorders.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers opened another location in the Pike Creek Shopping Center in November, which is run by former teacher Greta Fowler.

Having experience co-teaching in a special education classroom, Fowler recognized her son had a learning disability at seven years old. Rather than treat the issue with medication, she and her husband Doug enrolled him in a BBAC program at the nearest center – which was located over an hour away – and after three months, they observed significant results.

"My son Luke made amazing progress through the Brain Balance program," she said, which is why she wanted to bring a location to the Delaware area.

Throughout the last two decades, studies have shown an alarming 2,000 percent increase in ADHD prevalence among children, with a 20-30 percent of children having the diagnosis today. Also over the last two decades, the diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder have increased from 1 in 10,000 children to 1 in 88. Furthermore, 75 percent of medication from pediatricians is for ADHD. Unfortunately, parents are finding that the medication isn't a long-term fix.

Children who attend BBAC will be assessed and then receive an individualized program designed for them. Children typically come to the center three times a week for one hour at a time. Currently the Pike Creek location has nine children enrolled in the program.

Dr. Melillo, one of the co-founders of the program, said that BBAC is so unique because of how the disorders are approached.

"We are looking at what is happening in the brain – no one else looks at that," he said.

The custom-designed programs are vital to the children's success because every child is unique.

"Every child is different in terms of what areas [of the brain] are delayed," Dr. Melillo said.